Three of the best cities in the world for 2018 are located in the United States, according to an article by Business Insider. Sandwiched between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the US is home to numerous natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park, and some manmade ones, like the Statue of Liberty.
To travel to America, the first step is to apply for a visitor visa. The process starts by filling up the non-immigration visa application form, DS-160. After submitting the form and the requisite documents, you need to schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the US embassy. This is possibly the most nerve-racking stage of the application process, which often leads people to making unnecessary mistakes. Here’s a look.
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Top 10 Mistakes at Visitor Visa Interviews
Nervousness about the visa interview or overconfidence about it can both lead to mistakes that could result in visa denial. Here’s a look at the 10 most common mistakes people make associated with the visitor visa interview.
Unprepared Documents
You need to ensure you have all the necessary documents before the interview. Also, make sure that the documents are organized, legible and accurate to the best of your knowledge. You will need to bring all documents that support your application to the interview.
Not Arriving on Time
It is always advisable to arrive a little early at the consulate for the interview. So, leave home well in time, accounting for unexpected traffic snarls and other unforeseen delays. Being late starts you off on the back foot for the interview.
Not Dressing Appropriately
It is recommended to dress formally for the visa interview to demonstrate your seriousness regarding the visa. So, dress the way you would for a business meeting. The way you dress is the first thing seen by the consular officer, so make sure you make a good first impression.
Not Preparing for the Interview
It is a great idea to go through the most commonly asked questions and prepare your answers before going for the interview. Make sure you are prepared with the details of your trip as well as your financial and family details.
Body Language
During the visa interview, you are judged not just on the basis of what you say, but also on your body language. So, being fidgety or making too many hand gestures and expressions might give the wrong impression. It is always useful to greet the consular officer when you enter with a smile and make good eye contact through the interview, keeping your hands and body calm and composed.
Not Paying Visa Fees
The visitor visa fee should be paid before the visa interview, since you will need the payment receipt for your interview appointment. It is advisable to check the amount and the payment methods before making the payment. Cash payments are not accepted by the US consulate.
Not Being Polite
You should always be courteous and polite towards the consular officer. Don’t argue with them, even if you feel the interviewer is not being respectful towards you.
Being Dishonest
The consular officers are trained professionals, with years of experience in detecting lies, malintent and more. So, be honest in all your answers.
Poor Communication Skills
You should be concise and on point while answering. Don’t talk too much on any topic, which could result in additional questions.
Inconsistent Information
You should go through all your documents before coming for the interview, since any discrepancies in what you say and what’s in your documents might go against you.
By avoiding these common mistakes and with some planning, you could well be on your way to visiting the Land of Opportunities.
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